A Shot at Love

Marked Territory

My breath catches at his question, my entire body screaming, add the 'N'!

But is it too soon? Why am I overthinking this? Every beat of my heart pulses with the same answer.

And for once, I'm done questioning it. I'm following my heart.

A shy grin tugs at my lips as I fidget with my fingers. "No," I whisper, a nervous laugh bubbling up. "I'll take an N for $500, please."

Noah's smile broadens, pride shimmering in his eyes with something I can't quite name.

"I can live with that." He presses the pen to the paper, carefully sketching an elegant N above the dash.

He swivels the notepad toward me, and a grin breaks across my face, my excitement bursting. "That's perfect."

Oh my God. I'm about to have Noah's handwriting tattooed on me.

Nick grabs the stencil from the copier, settling into his chair before snapping on a pair of black gloves, the latex stretching tight over his fingers. He tears open an alcohol wipe, the sharp scent smacking me straight in the nose. "Alright, man, let's get started."

Noah flips his left hand over, palm up, as Nick swipes the alcohol pad over his ring finger. I hold my breath the moment the needle touches his skin, tracing the stencil of my handwriting. The faint buzz of the tattoo machine is the only sound I can focus on. He doesn't flinch. His grip stays firm around my waist, his eyes fixed on the tiny K taking shape beneath Nick's careful hand.

Nick finishes the tattoo with a clean dash, wiping the area before peeling off his gloves. Noah gives a satisfied nod, then turns to me, his gaze softening. "Despite everything that happened at the house, this is the best birthday I've ever had." His thumb traces a gentle line along my hip, his voice dipping low. "How did I ever celebrate without knowing you?"

My face flushes, a grin breaking free. "We're not done yet." I arch a brow, eyes flicking to his fresh ink—a simple, timeless dash with my initial perfectly looped above. "It looks so good!"

Nick smooths a thin layer of antibacterial ointment over Noah's finger before wrapping it carefully in Saniderm. "You're good to go. That wrap will keep it protected—leave it on for about 24 hours, then peel it off nice and slow in the shower." He flashes a quick smile before his gaze shifts to me. "Alright, Kingston, you're up."

Noah's hand slips around my waist, guiding me off his lap and out of the chair so we can switch places. I slide down, nerves sparking as the reality of getting a tattoo hits me. But Noah's hand wraps around mine, his touch steadying my pulse.

"First time under the needle?" Nick glances up as he slips on a fresh pair of gloves, swiping an alcohol pad over my left ring finger.

I suck in a deep breath, my voice a little too high-pitched. "What gave it away?" I ask, a nervous laugh escaping my lips as Noah's thumb strokes my hand.

Nick chuckles, his tone reassuring. "Alright, first-timer, nothing to stress about. It's quick. You'll feel a little sting—like a scratch or a hot pinch. Nothing crazy. Just keep your hand still, breathe, and if you need a break, just say the word. You good to go?"

"Let's do it!" I squeal, my nerves buzzing as I glance up at Noah for comfort.

He smiles down at me, his gaze warm, melting every last ounce of my anxiety. "Eyes on me, baby. It'll be over before you know it."

I nod, bracing myself as the needle's sting bites into my skin, my eyes squeezing shut against the prickling heat.

"You're almost there, baby," Noah soothes. I force my eyes open, locking onto his. His steady gaze drowns out the sting as Nick carefully inks the N.